FLEMING - Investing in infrastructure and alternative energy can aid local economies, U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri told local officials and residents Monday.
During a luncheon hosted by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, the Democratic congressman representing the 24th District spoke and answered questions on energy and economic development.
A three-step plan incorporating “responsible” exploration and alternatives to fossil fuels would be an ideal energy policy, Arcuri told attendees. And such a plan would expand business in upstate New York, where communities such as Cayuga County are already on the “forefront” of alternative energy, he said.
“It not only helps us in terms of creating jobs, it helps the country in the long term,” Arcuri said at the public luncheon, which was held at The Point at Sand Beach.
It is the private sector's role to create new jobs in a region, he said during his presentation. As a congressman, his role is to help create the environment to facilitate the creation of jobs, he said.
That means providing and improving local infrastructure, securing funds for development projects and acting as a facilitator between relevant parties, Arcuri said.
During the luncheon, Arcuri also expressed support for an energy plan that combined “responsible” drilling and alternative sources. The government should push for increased conservation while releasing more of its strategic reserves in the short term, he said.
The middle stage or Arcuri's plan involves increased priorities toward mass transit and rail lines. If more products are transported via train, the region's
infrastructure would not receive as much wear and tear, he said.
And people should not have to drive whenever they want to travel 300 miles, he added.
“People who want to go from Auburn to New York City should be able to get on a train,” Arcuri said.
The final, long-term step in the plan involves a commitment to producing alternative energy technology that is cheap and environmentally friendly. These can include geothermal, solar, wind and ethanol, he said.
When asked his thoughts on increasing the country's refining capacity, Arcuri said building new refineries should not be a priority. Why invest massive amounts of money in refining finite resources when the country can be investing in something like cellulose ethanol, he asked.
The country can only face its energy situation with a realistic, multi-dimensional plan, he said.
“We can't drill our way to energy independence,” Arcuri said. “We can't conserve our way to it, either.”
But Republican challenger Richard Hanna said Monday that Congress - including Arcuri - has not acted fast enough to alleviate energy costs. While the country needs to explore alternative energy options, Hanna said he is for increased offshore drilling.
“There will be people freezing in their homes this winter because of Congress' inaction,” Hanna said. “(Arcuri) as much as anybody has become a severe part of the problem.”
In the area of economic development, Hanna said upstate New York is the “poster child” for high taxes and regulation. These are not the conditions needed to create jobs, he said.
Hanna again pointed to the current Congress and Arcuri as sources for some of the blame.
“Upstate New York cannot survive on future promises. It needs help now,” Hanna said. “Markets are forward thinking. When they see a Congress without a plan, it drives prices up.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
A three-step plan incorporating “responsible” exploration and alternatives to fossil fuels would be an ideal energy policy, Arcuri told attendees. And such a plan would expand business in upstate New York, where communities such as Cayuga County are already on the “forefront” of alternative energy, he said.
“It not only helps us in terms of creating jobs, it helps the country in the long term,” Arcuri said at the public luncheon, which was held at The Point at Sand Beach.
It is the private sector's role to create new jobs in a region, he said during his presentation. As a congressman, his role is to help create the environment to facilitate the creation of jobs, he said.
That means providing and improving local infrastructure, securing funds for development projects and acting as a facilitator between relevant parties, Arcuri said.
During the luncheon, Arcuri also expressed support for an energy plan that combined “responsible” drilling and alternative sources. The government should push for increased conservation while releasing more of its strategic reserves in the short term, he said.
The middle stage or Arcuri's plan involves increased priorities toward mass transit and rail lines. If more products are transported via train, the region's
infrastructure would not receive as much wear and tear, he said.
And people should not have to drive whenever they want to travel 300 miles, he added.
“People who want to go from Auburn to New York City should be able to get on a train,” Arcuri said.
The final, long-term step in the plan involves a commitment to producing alternative energy technology that is cheap and environmentally friendly. These can include geothermal, solar, wind and ethanol, he said.
When asked his thoughts on increasing the country's refining capacity, Arcuri said building new refineries should not be a priority. Why invest massive amounts of money in refining finite resources when the country can be investing in something like cellulose ethanol, he asked.
The country can only face its energy situation with a realistic, multi-dimensional plan, he said.
“We can't drill our way to energy independence,” Arcuri said. “We can't conserve our way to it, either.”
But Republican challenger Richard Hanna said Monday that Congress - including Arcuri - has not acted fast enough to alleviate energy costs. While the country needs to explore alternative energy options, Hanna said he is for increased offshore drilling.
“There will be people freezing in their homes this winter because of Congress' inaction,” Hanna said. “(Arcuri) as much as anybody has become a severe part of the problem.”
In the area of economic development, Hanna said upstate New York is the “poster child” for high taxes and regulation. These are not the conditions needed to create jobs, he said.
Hanna again pointed to the current Congress and Arcuri as sources for some of the blame.
“Upstate New York cannot survive on future promises. It needs help now,” Hanna said. “Markets are forward thinking. When they see a Congress without a plan, it drives prices up.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
The Citizens' Say
There are 1 comment(s)
AJ wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:39 PM:
Why isn't he doing that? "